Upfront: Licenses, Liaisons & New Collections

Jul2010

Licenses, Liasons & New Collections

LUXOTTICA AND BULGARI RENEW LICENSE » Luxottica Group and Bulgari, a leading global player in the luxury market and known for its jewels, watches, accessories and perfumes, announce a 10-year extension of their license agreement for the design, production and worldwide distribution of prescription frames and sunglasses under the Bulgari brand. The new agreement will run from Jan. 1, 2011 to Dec. 31, 2020.

ORANGE 21 SIGNS MARY J. BLIGE FOR SUNGLASS COLLECTION »California-based Orange 21, manufacturer of Spy Optics, has entered into a collaboration agreement with multi-platinum selling recording artist and music icon Mary J. Blige (pictured), Interscope Geffen A&M Records and its chairman, Jimmy Iovine, to develop Melodies by MJB, a signature line of fashion sunglasses. The first Melodies by MJB collection, set to debut in Fall 2010, will feature four styles, each representing a specific facet of Blige’s life. A second more extensive collection will launch in Spring 2011.
SÀFILO AND JUICY COUTURE EXTEND AGREEMENT »Sàfilo Group and Juicy Couture, a women’s and girls’ fun lifestyle brand, have renewed their licensing agreement originally signed in 2005 granting Sàfilo worldwide rights to design, manufacture and distribute ophthalmic frames, sunglasses and related eyewear products for the Juicy Couture brand. Juicy Couture eyewear is known for its touches of whimsy, often featuring playful heart shapes, peace symbols and Swarovski crystal detailing.

LUMETE EYEWEAR DEBUTS » New York-based Lumete Eyewear debuts (pictured) with a five-piece acetate sunglass collection designed for the discerning, confident, cosmopolitan woman who seeks distinctive product. Each style is offered in four colors, features such details as Swarovski crystals, custom hardware, intricate etched and painted patterns, and gradient tinted lenses, and comes with a hard clutch case, pouch, micro-fiber lens cloth and locket (eyewear retainer necklace), all packaged in a satin gift bag.

PAUL FRANK LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION BOWS »Baumvision introduces the Paul Frank Limited Edition Blue Ice Collection (pictured). Inspired by geometric abstract art, the new line features nine Paul Frank existing styles made of translucent blue acetate—a first for the seven-year-old eyewear collection known for its orange and seafoam layered frames. Each style is limited to 300 pieces or fewer, with all frames individually numbered and packaged in a limited-edition case.